Ally McCoist wants Rangers at max strength

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist has challenged his players to finish the year with a flourish.

Ally McCoist has challenged his players to finish the year with a flourish

The Ibrox outfit face Queen of the South, Livingston and Hibs before the turn of the year and McCoist, left, wants maximum points as they look to chase down Championship leaders Hearts.

Rangers followed up their humiliating Petrofac Cup exit to Alloa with a 1-0 win over Cowdenbeath to remain nine points behind the Jambos. And McCoist knows they now need to put a run of wins together.

McCoist said: “We’ve got some big games coming up. A nice run of results would be perfect and if we can gather a little bit of momentum then that would be absolutely ideal, but everybody is trying to do the same thing.

“We know we are capable of it and we certainly believe we can string a few results together and get a run going. ”

Dean Shiels grabbed the only goal of the game against Cowdenbeath, and McCoist praised the attacker for being patient as he waited for his chance this season.

He said: “Dean has been terrific and he’s getting his rewards now.

“It’s very difficult when you’ve not been starting and not playing. You are obviously disappointed because that’s what you train for all week.

“But Dean’s work at training and around Murray Park has been absolutely first class.

“He hasn’t let that disappointment get to him. We keep saying to him to keep going and keep working hard and he would get his chance.”